Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves has been handed a five-game suspension by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for a dangerous hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse during Saturday’s game. The suspension comes after a review of Reaves’ head-high check on Nurse, which was deemed "illegal and avoidable" by the NHLPA.

Reaves was assessed a match penalty and a game misconduct. He exchanged words with Edmonton captain Connor McDavid before heading down the tunnel.

Reaves was assessed a match penalty for an illegal check to the head at 2:41 of the second period and was ejected from the game. The Leafs forward took five or six strides before leveling Nurse as he skated around his own net with the puck.

Maple Leafs tough guy Ryan Reaves was kicked out of Saturday's game and suspended for five games for his hit on Oilers' Darnell Nurse.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves has been suspended for five games without pay for an illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse

Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse was bloodied and had to be helped to the locker room after taking a hit to the head from Toronto forward Ryan Reaves.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves has developed a reputation throughout his career of his devastating hits, but he crossed the line during Saturday night’s matchup against the visiting Edmonton Oilers and he’s paying the price for it.

The NHL Department of Player Safety has announced that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves has been suspended for five games after delivering an illegal hit to the head in Saturday’s game between the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs.